JP2021518236A - Blood glucose tracking system - Google Patents

Abstract

The blood glucose tracking systems and methods of the present invention measure the radiated microwave energy transmitted and received by blood vessels within a patient's desired target region to determine accurate blood glucose levels in real time and in vivo. The measuring unit comprises a transmitter operably connected to the antenna to supply energy to the appropriate subcutaneous blood vessels. The measuring unit determines the energy power value received in the blood vessel associated with the desired target region. The measured energy power value is compared to the calibration value and the difference is used to determine the resulting blood glucose level. In addition, the determined blood glucose level can be further adapted by using additional sensing values that compensate for biological and surrounding factors for the patient. The final determined blood glucose level is displayed and / or stored for future reference records for reading. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The invention generally relates to non-invasive in vivo blood glucose measurement systems, and more particularly to personalized subcutaneous blood glucose measurement and tracking systems for instantaneous real-time reading of blood glucose levels.

For decades, attempts have been made to develop a system for directly reading the glucose level (blood glucose level) in the bloodstream in "real time" and measuring it non-invasively. However, it is very difficult to directly and non-invasively measure glucose present in the bloodstream, mainly due to the inherent properties of glucose itself, which is easily dissolved in the blood, and the containment of the bloodstream of the human body. As such, these attempts have not been successful to date.

Historically, optical means have been preferred in attempts to measure blood glucose levels using visible light or infrared light, or by detecting changes in polarized light due to variations in glucose levels in the blood. These attempts, like other attempts to measure blood glucose directly and non-invasively, have repeatedly proven to be unsuccessful.

Currently available continuous blood glucose monitoring systems actually measure the glucose level in the interstitial fluid rather than directly measuring the blood glucose level. As a result, such "blood glucose" systems and instruments cannot provide "real-time" blood glucose readings. Also, such a system is inherently plagued by a substantial time lag of generally about 20 minutes due to the correlation of the measured values of interstitial fluid with the blood glucose readings.

It is generally recognized that blood glucose levels can be measured relatively accurately via in vitro microwave means under controlled laboratory conditions. However, prior art measuring instruments lacked the ability to make these measurements in vivo. Although clinically useful measurements may be possible under such fixed laboratory conditions, these simple laboratory measuring devices are routinely used with real organisms that exhibit individual and different characteristics. The automatic calibration mechanism required to develop a system suitable for use, and the mechanism or embodiment that enables non-invasive blood glucose reading in the actual “field” has not existed so far.

In view of the above, show the inherent variation and time lag of measurements to determine the blood glucose measurements that are generally associated with prior art "blood glucose" instruments that are actually "interstitial fluid" measuring devices. There is a need for a real (direct reading) blood glucose measurement system that is non-invasive and can be used in vivo. Therefore, a general object of the present invention is for blood glucose measurement, tracking and monitoring, which is non-invasive and can directly measure blood glucose and can be performed in vivo without variability or time lag in measurements. To provide a novel blood glucose tracking system that provides a new, optimized and efficient approach.

The present invention relating to blood glucose tracking systems and methods behaves differently from conventional attempts at prior art "blood glucose" instruments and non-invasive instruments. The present invention emits radiation within a defined and fixed target region without replicating the specialized and optimized equipment required to measure glucose levels in solution under controlled laboratory conditions. By measuring the total amount of microwave energy transmitted and the amount subsequently received by the blood vessel, and then comparing this instantaneous measurement with the previous calibration value, the glucose level described above directly from the bloodstream. You can get an accurate calculation of. The difference between the instantaneous power reading measurement and the previous calibration power reading measurement can be analyzed and calculated to determine the resulting blood glucose level. This can be further adapted through additional sensing values that compensate for various biological or surrounding factors and changes to the individual patient. In addition, the determined blood glucose level can be displayed and / or stored for future reference records for reading.

Unlike all currently available continuous "blood glucose" instruments (which actually measure interstitial fluid rather than directly measuring blood glucose as described above), the glucose tracking system according to the invention is actually Reads the instantaneous glucose concentration in the bloodstream. In addition, unlike the conventional measuring instrument that reads interstitial fluid, this system reads and provides the blood glucose level in real time without causing a time lag between the measurement and the actual blood glucose reading. In addition, such real-time measurements allow blood glucose levels to be measured and monitored in vivo, preferably utilizing a compact measuring unit that can be worn by an individual for in vivo use.

In the systems and methods of the invention and other prior art systems and methods, primarily through the point that the invention relates to a direct absorption measurement system and through a layer of skin and / or other parts of the body. It is essentially different in that it does not specifically depend on measuring the transmitted energy transmitted from the transmitting element to the receiving element.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blood glucose measurement system and method preferably utilizes a microwave energy source that transmits radio frequency energy, has a short duty cycle, has a high impulse force, and has a very low average power. do. The blood composition as a whole contains about 92% water on average. It is a well-known fact that glucose-containing water absorbs greater microwave energy than glucose-free water. By utilizing this phenomenon, there is a practical method capable of non-invasively detecting and measuring the instantaneous glucose level in the bloodstream in vivo. According to a preferred embodiment, microwave energy from an energy source is delivered to a suitable subcutaneous blood vessel, an antenna assembly designed to concentrate and transmit that energy towards the blood vessel closest to the surface of the skin. NS. In a more preferred embodiment, the energy source and antenna assembly are provided in a housing that can be attached to a part of the body close to the patient's subcutaneous blood vessels so that it is measured in the desired target area, more preferably the patient's. It is provided in a housing that can be attached to the arm, and even more preferably as part of a bracelet or wristwatch that can be attached to the patient's wrist.

A unique and important aspect of the blood glucose measurement systems and methods according to the invention is the use of radio frequency (RF) masks individually tailored for each target patient and his or her desired target region. With such an RF mask, the transmitted microwave energy can only reach the target area accurately, for example, a specific site of a blood vessel near the surface of the skin. Also, by optimizing the antenna emission lobe pattern, selected transmission frequency, and power level used, microwave energy fits into specifically defined regions containing blood vessels "close to the skin surface". It may be contained, molded and exclusively oriented in position and depth. Also, the RF mask that limits the area in which RF energy can be directed and transmitted also inherently limits the measurement of energy that can be absorbed outside the desired target area. This greatly improves the accuracy of reading using the system and method of the present invention.

In one aspect of the invention, microwave energy is confined, shaped and exclusively directed to the desired target region to a depth suitable for a particular region, including subcutaneous blood vessels. Preferably, the antenna assembly is located adjacent to the desired target area. In this embodiment, the antenna emission lobe pattern, transmission frequency and power level can be varied for a particular patient and the patient's target area.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power level required to reach the target subcutaneous blood vessel is achieved by using pulsed radio radiation similar to that used in radar transmitters.

According to embodiments of the present invention, for each calibration, a known glucose value and the corresponding supplied power value can be buffered in memory. As the subject's glucose level changes, the average power level received into the bloodstream through the system rises or falls relative to the power value associated with the final calibration value. The measuring unit records all new data for each subsequent periodic microwave emission, extrapolating changes in the supplied / received power level between the instantaneous power level and the previous calibration value. Based on this, the blood glucose level is calculated.

Objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings and their features.
FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic embodiment of a blood glucose tracking system according to the invention for non-invasive in vivo blood glucose measurement. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of the blood glucose tracking system according to this invention incorporated in a wristwatch. FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of a blood glucose tracking system according to the invention, in which an auxiliary housing including an antenna is ideally connected to a wristwatch or bracelet that houses a wrist-worn radio transmitter. FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic embodiment of a blood glucose tracking system that supplies data related to a determined blood glucose level to a computer, display or memory buffer as needed. FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a blood glucose tracking system associated with two transmitters. FIG. 5 shows a mask used by a patient to limit the area in which energy transmitted from the measuring device according to the invention can be received. It is a flowchart which shows the test sequence by the preferable embodiment of this invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic embodiment of a blood glucose tracking system according to the invention for non-invasive in vivo blood glucose measurement is shown. The system typically comprises a measuring unit 10 having a microwave energy source (eg, a transmitter 12) operably connected to the antenna assembly 16 via a coaxial cable or waveguide, the antenna assembly comprising an antenna 14. .. The transmitter 12 and the antenna 14 may be arranged in a common antenna housing 18 as shown in the figure, or may be arranged in separate units as long as they are operably connected to each other. The antenna assembly also includes a controller / processor 24 that is preferably used to measure the amount of power / energy delivered through the antenna 14. Further, the transmitter 12 may communicate with the controller 24 in an operable manner.

The transmitter 12 preferably transmits radio frequency energy, more preferably emits pulsed radio radiation similar to that used in radar transmitters, has a short duty cycle, has a high impulse force, and has a high average power. It has a very low microwave energy source.
The transmitter 12 supplies the antenna 14 for concentrating and transmitting microwave energy towards the appropriate subcutaneous blood vessel 20 in the patient's desired target region 50. During use, the measuring device 10 measures the microwave energy absorbed by the nearby blood vessel 20 to assist in determining the blood glucose level within the target region 50. More specifically, the controller 24 determines how much energy generated by the transmitter 12 is output by the antenna 14 and measures the power delivered to the blood vessel 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna housing 18 is placed on or near the patient's skin S, which is close to the measured subcutaneous blood vessel 20, such as the patient's wrist.

With reference to the schematic shown in FIG. 7, the system delivers the total amount of radiated microwave energy received by transmission and preferably absorption to the subcutaneous blood vessels in the target region 50, ie, the blood vessels 20 "close to the skin surface". By measuring, the patient's blood vessel level in the defined and fixed target area 50 can be accurately calculated. Instantaneous real-time measurements obtained directly from the bloodstream can be compared to a given calibration value. The difference between the measured and calibrated values, the "delta" value, can provide the resulting blood glucose level through analysis and calculation. In a preferred embodiment, an algorithm that correlates the power energy value with the blood glucose level is used to determine the resulting blood glucose level. Such an algorithm is preferably stored in the controller 24. The calibration value may be stored in a memory buffer 22 provided as part of the controller 24.

The position for accurately measuring the subcutaneous blood vessel 20 according to the present invention is generally desirable near the wrist of an individual. However, the system of the present invention can be used in other parts of the body without departing from the spirit and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the antenna 14 is preferably placed adjacent to the desired target area by placing the antenna housing 18 on the skin surface S, which is preferably close to the desired target area 50. A unique and important aspect of the system of the present invention is the use of RF masks 52 individually tailored for each target patient and desired target position 50, as shown in FIG. 6 as a whole. This allows the microwave energy supplied by the antenna 14 to accurately reach only a target region, such as a specific site of a blood vessel 20 near the surface of the skin. By further optimizing the antenna emission lobe pattern, selected transmission frequency and power level used, microwave energy is further contained to a depth suitable for a particular region, including the vessel 20 "close to the skin surface". , Molded, and exclusively directed. The skin S in these areas is so thin that it is easier to actually locate the blood vessels, and in these areas the transmission path is excessively attenuated or interfered with in the path between the antenna 14 and the target vessel 20. Also note that there is little to do.

In the systems and methods of the invention and other prior art systems and methods, the present invention is a direct absorption measuring system and the receiving element from the transmitting element via a layer of skin and / or other parts of the body. It is essentially different in that it does not specifically depend on measuring the transmitted energy transmitted to.

As shown in FIG. 6 as a whole, at the time of use, the RF mask 52 is made for the individual patient and then laid on the patient's skin S over the desired target area 50 and temporarily affixed. , Then used with the measurement unit 10 described herein for blood glucose measurement and tracking. Also, the RF mask 52, which limits the region in which RF energy can be transmitted, essentially limits the measurement of energy that can be absorbed outside the target region 50. This greatly improves the reading accuracy. Preferred methods for making individually adjusted RF masks 52 are described in more detail below.

As mentioned above, the power level required to reach the target subcutaneous vessel 20 is achieved by using pulsed radio radiation similar to that used in radar transmitters. The "peak" power levels can be relatively high (to penetrate the skin to the required depth), but the duty cycle of these radiations is very low. As a result, the "average" power level is very low. This makes the energy efficiency of such a radio transmitter 12 very high, and the radiation as described above provides the system as opposed to the continuous wave radiation commonly used in laboratory equipment. Does not result in a perceptible temperature rise by the individual wearing it.

Extrapolation processes (eg, power reading measurements) that determine the amount of energy absorbed may utilize one or more of the following processes, alone or in combination.

In the first approach, the antenna assembly measures one of the forward radiated peak power levels and / or average power levels delivered at a particular radio frequency over a particular time frame. More specifically, when a microwave pulse is emitted from the antenna 14, its peak transmit power level and / or average power level is measured by the controller 24. The "delta" value is then determined by comparing the measured power level of the transmit energy with the calibration value recorded during the final calibration read / measurement. The system identifies a newly calculated blood glucose reading that corresponds to the measured energy power level via an algorithm. More specifically, the algorithm correlates a particular blood glucose level with energy absorption data. Calculated / determined blood glucose readings may be provided to the display and / or memory buffer as needed.

In the second approach, the system measures and calibrates the reflected energy power level in the vessel 20 of the desired target region 50 instead of reading the anterior power level actually supplied and / or received by the target vessel 20. Determine the "delta" value by comparing it to the value. In this case, it is shown that the lower the read value of the reflected power, the larger the energy received in the target region 50. This indicates that the glucose level is high. The higher the glucose level in the blood, the stronger the blood's ability to absorb energy and the lower the reflected power. Similar to the calculated "delta" value in the first approach, the system identifies the newly calculated blood glucose reading via an algorithm. Calculated / determined blood glucose readings may be provided to the display and / or memory buffer as needed.

In a third approach, the system measures a standing wave ratio (SWR) reading from transmitter 12 at a particular radio frequency, from which the "delta" value associated with the calibration reading is obtained. calculate. In this case, the SWR reading generally tracks the blood glucose level. The SWR reading increases when the blood glucose level is low and decreases when the blood glucose level is high. Through the algorithm, the calculated "delta" value is used again to determine the appropriate blood glucose reading. It may be provided to the display and / or memory buffer as needed.

In the various processes described above, all power measurements are taken at a fixed frequency. According to the fourth approach, the transmitter 12 sequentially fluctuates the transmit frequency in a predetermined manner such that the frequency steps are repeated from low to high or high to low within a predetermined frequency range. Is ordered to. Each energy reception from the individually transmitted radio frequencies utilized is measured for the peak or average power supplied and then compared to the other frequencies in the same measurement cycle. Absorption rate shifts between frequencies track changing glucose levels and are extrapolated to blood glucose levels using one or more extrapolation methods. One embodiment that can be used in this method dynamically analyzes the location of the frequency that receives the maximum energy absorption. This then becomes the "center" or "index" frequency. This "index" frequency is compared to the final calibration "index" frequency to generate an offset value. This offset value is applied to a scaling algorithm to determine the calculated blood glucose level. It can then be provided to the display and / or memory buffer as needed.

In a similar approach, the frequency hopping method of the fourth approach can be utilized. However, this approach does not resolve and analyze the "center" or "index" frequencies, but analyzes all energy changes at various transmission frequencies to absorb microwave energy above a given threshold. Identify the "spread" or bandwidth of the frequency that showed activity, and then compare the momentary spread of that frequency above the threshold with the spread of the readings obtained in the final calibration. The algorithm analyzes the increase or decrease of this spread to derive the difference value. This value is applied to the algorithm to calculate the blood glucose reading. It can then be provided to the display and / or memory buffer as needed.

The measuring unit 10 records all new data for each subsequent periodic microwave emission and extrapolates the change in supplied / received power level between the instantaneous power level and the previous calibration value. The blood glucose level is determined based on. For example, as a result of a calibration entry (assuming the system is using a 1: 1 algorithm), the direct blood glucose reading is 100, and blood at that blood glucose receives 100 milliwatts of power from the transmitter 12. If so, a new test reading indicating that the power supplied to the target region 50 will increase by 10% (ie to 110 milliwatts) will indicate a blood glucose level of 110 mg / dl.

The blood glucose tracking system and method according to the invention can utilize additional optional compensating means in addition to power sensing via the base transmitter 12 and antenna assembly. Thereby, the accuracy of blood glucose reading can be improved. Some of the means include:
(A) A pulse sensor incorporated to compensate for changes in the velocity of blood flow through the blood vessel 20. Faster or slower blood flow can change the energy tolerance and adversely distort the calculation results. To compensate for this, a pulse sensor is optionally incorporated to dynamically compensate for the fluctuations.
(B) A skin temperature sensor in close proximity to the desired target region 50 applies temperature compensation to optimize changes in vessel diameter (eg, vasodilation, vasoconstriction) due to variations in trunk temperature.
(C) By measuring the galvanic skin reaction, it is possible to determine the sweating level in the region of the measuring unit 10 which may distort the microwave absorption rate, preferably along with the skin temperature monitoring. As a result, the system can compensate for sweating based on measurements of galvanic skin data.
(D) Blood is generally 92% water on average, but patient water levels can vary widely. Measured by taking into account fluctuations in patient water levels by using regular microwave energy measurements at frequencies that resonate more with water (as opposed to frequencies that resonate more with glucose). The unit 10 can be calibrated continuously. By using either a dual-band microwave transmitter or a wideband single-band transmitter that can operate with wide frequency fluctuations, as mentioned above, one of the frequencies or transmitters is dedicated to monitoring water levels and the other. It can be optimized for glucose detection.

With the measuring unit 10, additional measuring and displaying means may be provided. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the display screen 26 may be provided on the antenna housing 18. The measuring unit 10 can also be part of or in the form of a bracelet or wristwatch 28 that is wrapped around the wrist and can include, for example, a local unit that is attached to the skin S by an adhesive. As schematically shown in FIG. 5, an additional transmitter means 30 can be further included to transmit data from the measurement unit 10 to another unit 32 such as a computer, tablet terminal or smartphone. Thereby, the blood glucose measurement value obtained by the measurement unit 10 can be displayed and / or recorded. For example, the measuring unit 10 in the form of a bracelet or wristwatch 28 can store the measured data and then synchronize with the computer 32 to further store, monitor and analyze the patient's blood glucose readings.

As mentioned above and as shown in FIG. 1, the blood glucose tracking system according to the invention may be a separate "stand-alone" system and is worn on the wrist (such as a wristwatch or jewelry). It may be incorporated into an unrelated article. As a result, the blood vessels 20 near the skin surface of the wrist can be used inconspicuously. For a wristwatch 28 that includes a transmitter 12 and associated control elements, a fixed or flexible small portion of the small waveguide 34 is attached to the body of the wristwatch 28, the other end for measurement. It is connected to a removable auxiliary "sidecar" antenna housing 36 located above the desired target area. Such an auxiliary antenna housing 36, including the antenna 14 and its associated control element 24, is attached to the wristwatch 28 during measurement and removed if not needed. Once the housings 18 and 36 are attached, the antenna 14 may be connected to the transmitter 12 via a waveguide or coaxial cable 34 passing through the band of the wristwatch 28. In the case of a wristwatch in which the blood glucose tracking system by this system is integrated or a "smart watch" as shown in FIG. 2, the existing digital reading unit 26 of the wristwatch 28 is used to display an instantaneous blood glucose reading value. Can be done.

It also powers the RF transmitter 12 or other equipment located, for example, by incorporating a metal shield to limit the energy of the antenna towards the adjacent desired target area 50, or within the band portion of the wristwatch. By incorporating a battery to do so, many other creative physical embodiments can be utilized without departing from the spirit and gist of the present invention.

The system may also incorporate a separate data transmitter 30 (in addition to the sampling transmitter 12 as described above). This allows the output of raw or calculated data to be relayed to a separate display 32 or storage device 38 such as a computer, tablet terminal or smartphone, or to a device such as an insulin pump 40. Depending on the manufacturer or model of these devices, the data output is transmitted in a proprietary format suitable for display and / or storage, as described above.

The systems and methods according to the invention compare the difference between a "controlled" reading with a known blood glucose level and an instantaneous reading with an unknown blood glucose level that needs to be determined. Derivation of instantaneous blood glucose readings. The "control" reading can be a calibration value and can be adjusted each time such a calibration measurement is made using the system (eg, a new control measurement becomes the calibration value for the next measurement). ). Suitable for extrapolating instantaneous glucose readings at the level of microwave energy received, including traditional "finger stick" blood glucose measurements or other means of accurately determining actual blood glucose levels. Periodic calibration is performed using different measurement methods. This data provides the measurement unit 10 with standard reference measurements. This measurement is then used to compare with subsequent readings at a particular body of the individual and at a particular body location (such as a particular vessel on the wrist). This allows subsequent blood glucose readings to be provided and tracked.

Two preferred methods of mask fabrication can be utilized to fabricate the individually tailored and unique RF antenna mask 52 as shown in FIG. The first "manual" method is Mylar or other flexible transparent material that is temporarily wrapped around the individual's wrist or other site associated with the desired target area 50 and held in place. Flakes are used. A marking pen is used to delineate the exact target area 50 of the antenna 14 along the width of the subject's arm or other part of the body. This can provide subsequent positioning reference guidance. After removal, a flexible sheet is laid over the antenna mask blank and the laid sheet can be used to assist in cutting the mask opening. Once the RF mask 52 is made, it can be laid on the patient's skin S in the desired target area 50 and temporarily attached, and the measurement unit described herein for blood glucose measurement and tracking. Used with 10.

The second preferred RF mask fabrication method is the "automatic" method. Here, the desired target region 50 is photographed or scanned in the visible and / or thermal infrared spectrum. The thermal data can be further used to establish the optimal sensing area. Physical measurements of a general area surrounding the desired target area 50 are also performed. The result is a laser cutting or CNC machine that scales the cutting information based on the measurements and automatically selects and contours the unmasked area to correspond to the optimized target area. Photo data will be sent. The cutting machine can form mask openings directly on a sheet of non-RF permeable material. This automatic selection process may be the result of either or both of the collected visible information and the collected thermal infrared information.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above for the purpose of exemplifying and detailing. The above description is neither exhaustive nor limited to the described forms of the present invention. Based on the above description, obvious variations and variations are possible. The embodiments described herein have been selected to best illustrate the principles and applications of the invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate the invention in various embodiments and variations suitable for a particular application. Can be used.

Claims (28)

It ’s a blood glucose meter,
An antenna housing comprising an antenna assembly with an antenna and configured to be located on or near the patient's skin close to the desired target area, including the blood vessel to be measured.
A transmitter that is operably connected to the antenna and transmits microwave energy through the antenna into a blood vessel in the target region.
With
The antenna assembly measures the microwave energy absorbed in a blood vessel in the target region and determines an absorbed microwave energy measurement that can be correlated with the blood glucose level of the patient.
Blood glucose meter. It further comprises a controller that compares the absorbed microwave energy measurements with the calibration values to identify differences between those values and then determines the blood glucose level based on the differences.
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1. The blood vessels within the desired target region are subcutaneous blood vessels.
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1. Configured to be placed on the patient's arm in close proximity to the desired target area.
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1. Configured to be placed on the patient's wrist, said
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 4. It further comprises a strap to which the antenna housing is attached, the strap being configured to be wrapped around the patient's arm.
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 4. A visual display for displaying measurement data corresponding to the absorbed microwave energy measurement value is further provided.
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1. A second transmitter for transmitting the measurement data to an external device is further provided for at least one of displaying and storing the measurement data.
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1. The microwave energy is in the form of a microwave pulse,
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1. The antenna assembly measures the actual energy power level delivered to the blood vessels in the target area.
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1. The antenna assembly measures the level of reflected energy power delivered to a blood vessel in the target region.
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1. The antenna assembly measures a standing wave ratio reading that represents energy absorption in a blood vessel within the target region.
The blood glucose measuring device according to claim 1. A method for measuring a patient's blood glucose
With the steps of establishing calibration values for microwave absorption in blood vessels within the patient's desired target region in relation to known blood glucose levels,
The step of transmitting microwave energy into the blood vessels of the target region,
A step of measuring the transmitted amount of the microwave energy absorbed by the blood vessel in the target region to determine the measured value, and
A step of comparing the measured value with the calibration value to generate a calculated power difference value,
The step of determining the blood glucose level representing the calculated power difference value, and
including,
Method. The blood glucose level is determined by externalizing the value from the measured power level absorbed by the blood vessels in the target region.
13. The method of claim 13. The power value associated with the known glucose level is used to generate a calibration value for further blood glucose measurement of the patient.
13. The method of claim 13. By measuring the actual energy power level absorbed by the blood vessels in the target region, the amount of microwave energy transmitted is measured.
13. The method of claim 13. By measuring the reflected energy power level for the blood vessels in the target region, the amount of microwave energy transmitted is measured.
13. The method of claim 13. By measuring a standing wave ratio reading that represents energy absorption in a blood vessel in the target region, the amount of microwave energy transmitted is measured.
13. The method of claim 13. Further comprising adjusting the calculated blood glucose level based on additional senses associated with the patient's condition.
13. The method of claim 13. The additional senses include at least one of the patient's pulse rate, skin temperature, galvanic skin reaction and water level.
19. The method of claim 19. Further including a step of displaying the calculated blood glucose level,
13. The method of claim 13. Further including a step of storing the calculated blood glucose level and the calculated power difference value associated therewith.
13. The method of claim 13. Further including a step of varying the transmission frequency of the microwave energy in a predetermined frequency range.
13. The method of claim 13. The blood vessels within the desired target region are subcutaneous blood vessels.
13. The method of claim 13. Further comprising locating the measuring device on or near the patient's skin in close proximity to the desired target area, the measuring device is operably connected to and via the antenna. An antenna housing having a transmitter that transmits the microwave energy into a blood vessel in the target region.
13. The method of claim 13. The measuring device is placed on the patient's arm in close proximity to the desired target area.
25. The method of claim 25. The measuring device is placed on the patient's wrist.
The method of claim 26. A radio frequency mask that correlates with the size, shape, and position of the desired target region is made and the mask is placed on the patient's skin in close proximity to the desired target region before locating the measuring device. Including additional steps to place in,
25. The method of claim 25.

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